What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be among the most stressful experiences you have. In the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.

Be sure not to panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the key.

1. Retract your steps

It's not a secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. It is a possibility for anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or even at home trying to get ready for work and dropping your keys. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. It might also be helpful to note down your steps, to be able to refer back to them later on.

If you have searched in obvious locations but can't locate your keys you may have to look elsewhere. Check any pockets or bags that you've worn throughout the day, as well as your house. Remember, your keys could be close by - they're just not in a convenient location. It could also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.

If you've tried every option but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to contact a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:

2. Find an extra key

It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even all by themselves. Once upon a time this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to find a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.

It is recommended to always have a spare car key on hand. You won't need to call a tow truck and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your normal keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.

It is common to have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at an auto dealer, based on the car's model. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program the key to fit your vehicle.

Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car using a remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to start your car once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and have them pair a new fob with your car. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of put your keys in the same spot each time you return home. If it's on the entry table, the bowl on your front porch, or car Key locksmith even a hook near the door, it can aid in remembering where they are and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Fortunately, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to fix your problem as quickly as you can.

Start by going back through your day and recalling the last time you used them. Go through all your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you took to determine whether they were found other than your pocket. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the car.

If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small objects might be hiding.

Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or car key replacement chain. This helps you keep track of them as well as making them harder to lose due to the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your handbag or pocket.

4. Call the police

It's obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting your lost keys to the police immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone else using your vehicle or even entering your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.

They'll tell you if they have discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They will also give you some advice on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll probably be asking you for information regarding the time you lost them and where you were prior to that.

If you have an old-school metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is to look in your bags, pockets, and any other places you normally carry the keys. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to remember the place you replacing lost car keys them. You might have dropped them on a table or in your bag while reaching for something.

This is only done by the dealer if have a transponder that works electronically. It could cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies and is available via the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by offering an on-the-go locksmith service for you.

5. Contact for a locksmith

If you leave your keys in your trunk while doing errands, they can be easily lost. This is all too frequent, considering that keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from happening. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chances of losing them.

The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys, making it easier to locate.

If you cannot find your Car key fob Programming keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace them. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you if you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.

The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you check if the key can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience however it isn't necessary to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Be calm and don't panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.